England sticks to their International Game Programme for 2012 after Four Nations
After the massive 30-8 defeat handed over tot he English side during the Gillette Four Nations Final against series’ favourite, Australia, at Elland Roads, Leeds, The REd Roses are all set to release their International Games Programme 2012. This confirmation
was made by the Rugby Football League (RFL) chairman, Richard Lewis, on Tuesday, November 22.
This was very necessary to assure that English side continues to make progress, which they have uninterruptedly shown during the Gillette Four Nations 2011.When they embarked on the series, they were considered the third favourites but as they moveed deeper
into the series, their record improved considerably.
They enhanced their game in many areas but their biggest on-field success was acknowledged in the sudden death encounter of the series which was played against last year’s reigning champions, New Zealand. Both sides were equally hungry to book themselves
as finalists of the campaign, but the Englishmen overwhelmed the Kiwis by bagging a 28-6 win.
English side sudden death victory was only possible after getting rid of penalties and on-field errors. It was tagged as their basic formula of success and was acknowledged by rugby league analysts as the only way to their triumph over Kangaroos in the final
showdown.
However, despite knowing their only way out of the Four Nations berth on a winning note, the series underdogs failed miserably in proving their dominance against series obvious favourites, Australia.
The Four Nations’ result may not be in Englands favour but there is no denying the fact that they have come a long way. This is one reason why England coach, Steve McNamara, and their skipper, Jamie Peacock stressed upon the need of continuing with playing
games in 2012.
Persistent pressing from the English coaching side, has urged the RFL chairman to issue assurance that a complete international games plan for 2012 will be made. This means that unlike Australia, England is not going on a long break until the Rugby League
World 2013.
Australia is sticking to their initial plan of observing a hiatus after clinching the Four Nations Title 2011, which will be theirs until 2014, when the series will be played again. However, this time will be devoted to preparations for the World Cup in
2013, which will be co-hosted by England and Wales.
While commenting on Australia’s withdrawal from the international game until World Cup, Lewis added that this will not affect the level of game played internationally.
Instead, he highlighted the bright side of the picture and said, "That could work in our favour. We've got to get hungrier and hungrier. The World Cup is going to be on our own territory and we've shown glimpses of what we can do. We're going to work hard
to get things right on the big occasion in two years' time. It was probably an opportunity missed at the weekend but England are heading in the right direction. If England had played like they had in the previous two weeks it could have been a very different
contest but, from other points of view, I think England has really come alive as a brand.”
He further added that England now is in a very different situation, as they have a huge support of fans, which was apparent during the tail-end of the series.
This is a major leap for English side because finishing as finalist of Four Nations was a huge milestone for the team.
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